“You know how lovebirds go together? Well, I’m by myself,” said Goods, who said she escaped from a violent and abusive relationship this past winter.

"I had nightmares. I was frightened. I just felt like I had to do something. It was either that or it would be the end of my life,” Goods said.

Goods said that for two years her boyfriend had used his hands and his words to nearly destroy her. She made a decision to flee her home, her job and extended family so she could escape the trauma. She said she made the move to flee when he threatened to take her life.

“We were driving in the car and he said he was going to drive into traffic and take both our lives,” said Goods.

She found her way to Omaha’s Siena Francis House and the homeless shelter for women and children. Goods, who is a business executive, was assigned to social worker, Sister Stephanie Matcha, ND.

“They need to get into counseling to recognize the difference between abuse and real love,” said Matcha, who’s worked with the homeless for more than 20 years.

Matcha is part of the Notre Dame Sisters Safe Homes Project, established 12 years ago. The sisters identify domestic violence survivors who are ready to leave the shelter to continue their healing. The nuns and their associates pay for rent and utilities in a safe and secure home until the women are ready to take over the expenses themselves. The sisters partner with community organizations to raise funds to support their ministry.

Matcha gave Goods a patchwork quilt made by fellow sisters.

“It was my only possession when I moved in here. It kept me warm at night when I slept on the floor,” said Goods.

Goods has a bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy, a master’s degree in business and she’s working on a doctoral degree in business. She recently started working again for a program that aids troubled children.

“A lot of times we have false images of who we think we are. But when you go through something like this, you know who you are,” said Goods.

She said some people might be surprised that an educated woman could find herself in an abusive relationship.

“Domestic violence crosses the boundaries of economy, social status and culture,” noted Matcha, who estimated that 70 percent of women at the shelter have domestic violence in their backgrounds.

Victims of domestic violence have several options to escape abuse. If you need help, call the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council at 402-210-2195 or the Women’s Center for Advancement at 402-345-7273.

To learn more about the Safe Homes Ministry or to help with their fundraising efforts call 402-455-2994. Sister Rosalee Burke is the non-violence and justice coordinator.

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